Charges filed against Burlington burglary suspect

Police believe they've found the man responsible for a string of South End burglaries, but the suspect remains at large.

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Burlington police believe William Nelson, pictured here on a Facebook profile identified as his, is responsible for at least one burglary in the South End and possibly dozens more. Nelson remains at large.(Photo: Free Press)Buy Photo

Prosecutors have brought charges against a Burlington man police believe is responsible for one South End burglary and possibly connected to more than a dozen others.

A judge found probable cause Wednesday for three charges — one felony count of burglary and two misdemeanor counts of possession of stolen property — against William E. Nelson, 47.

Nelson remained at large.

Burlington police Lt. Shawn Burke said the charges stem from a weeks-long burglary investigation by the department's detective bureau. The South End neighborhood has seen a rash of burglaries this summer and fall. Residents and businesses have reported 13 break-ins since August.

Detective Cpl. Michael Hemond wrote in an affidavit that police have been investigating a series of South End burglaries dating back to May.

To date, prosecutors have accused Nelson of one burglary, of a King Street apartment Sept. 6. Police said Nelson stole more than $4,500 worth of property. Hemond said police were able to trace fingerprints from the scene to Nelson.

Burke said police used items — including a television — seized during a Sept. 23 raid at Nelson's home on 188 South Champlain St. to support the charges of possession of stolen property. Nelson was asleep inside when police came knocking, but Burke said detectives were unable to arrest him that day because they had yet to establish that items found in the home were stolen.

Hemond listed in his affidavit 14 other reported burglaries this spring and summer on Maple, King, South Champlain and Pine streets he believes could be linked to Nelson. Police also have gathered evidence connecting Nelson to a burglary in Essex, the affidavit states. Prosecutors in the future could bring additional charges against Nelson.

The affidavit details how police used observations from neighborhood residents and officers on the street to build a case against Nelson. Hemond said while he was investigating in the neighborhood Sept. 16, he saw Nelson carry a television into 188 South Champlain St.

Burke said Nelson has long been known to Burlington police. Nelson has a lengthy criminal history in Chittenden County dating back to the 1990s, which includes convictions for 12 misdemeanors and 11 felonies.

Nelson pleaded guilty to felony charges of burglary and possession of stolen property in 2013. He also pleaded guilty to felony charges of grand larceny and possession of stolen property in 1999, and burglary in 1996, court records show.

Police also noticed a drought of burglary reports that coincided with Nelson's incarceration. According to Department of Corrections records, Nelson was jailed from July 2 to July 13 for violating prior conditions of release.

"The were nearly daily burglaries up until the time he was incarcerated," Nelson wrote. "Upon his being incarcerated the burglaries cease."

Burke said police in recent days have spoken on the phone with Nelson but have been unable to persuade him to surrender. The lieutenant said Nelson's comments led him to believe he remained in Chittenden County.

Burke said anyone who encounters Nelson should call police immediately.

Burke credited the vigilance of South End residents, who in recent weeks have organized to share observations regarding the thefts with each other and with police.

“There’s no better source of info than people who live in the neighborhood,” Burke said. “They know what fits and what doesn’t fit.”

Burke said tips from neighbors helped police place a sedan used by Nelson at the scene of several thefts, and helped police secure a search warrant for 188 South Champlain St.

“That was pivotal in the case,” Burke said of residents’ help.

Burke and Police Chief Brandon del Pozo met with neighborhood residents Tuesday evening to discuss developments in the investigation. Burke said he welcomes tips from residents in the future.

Maple Street resident John Marc de Wilde said he was encouraged by the charges and pleased information from neighbors helped police.

“I’m happy to show that when a community does get involved, we can actually make a difference in the neighborhood,” de Wilde said. “It sends a message to anybody else this is a neighborhood where we stick together … and maybe it’s not the right neighborhood to break into.”